BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - On October 4, 2016, Delta State University became aware of the use of potentially ineligible student-athletes in its first five football games of the season and self-reported this information to both the NCAA and the Gulf South Conference.
 
On October 26, the NCAA enforcement staff issued its decision and determined that both student-athletes were indeed ineligible while competing. The NCAA penalties for this secondary violation include a fine and application of nullification principles in the football team's final numbers for NCAA postseason consideration by the Division II Football Committee.
 
The Gulf South Conference shall enforce additional penalties.
 
According to GSC Policy 12.6 (B), "(a)ny team using an ineligible player shall forfeit the event in which the ineligible player competed." Further, "If the ineligibility is discovered during the regular season, any contest won while using the ineligible player shall be 'forfeited' and changed to a loss in the standings, which shall be recalculated" [GSC Policy 12.6 (B-1) | p. 18].
 
This penalty shall be applied to conference contests only. Statistics shall not be changed, but the final GSC standings shall show a loss for the following games: 9/24 versus Shorter; 9/29 vs Mississippi College. Delta State's opponents shall not be credited with a win.
 
No further penalties will be imposed in this case.

Delta State University Athletics is committed to operating within the principles and guidelines of the NCAA and Gulf South Conference. On October 4, 2016, DSU self-reported the use of two potentially ineligible football student-athletes to the NCAA and the GSC. On October 26, the NCAA issued its decision that the students were ineligible while competing.
 
"We regret that a secondary violation took place during the certification process and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that our procedures do not allow this to happen again. We accept the penalties the GSC and NCAA have issued in this case. I would like to thank GSC Commissioner Matt Wilson, the NCAA enforcement staff, and President Bill LaForge for working with us to correct the misstep and appreciate their guidance as we move forward," Ronnie Mayers, Director of Athletics.

DSU received notification on Wednesday, November 16 from the NCAA that both student-athletes involved have been fully reinstated with no additional withholding of eligibility. 
 
What is a Secondary Violation?
NCAA Bylaw 19.02.2.1 - Violation, Secondary: A secondary violation is a violation that is isolated or inadvertent in nature; provides or is intended to provide only a minimal recruiting, competitive or other advantage; and does not include any significant impermissible benefit (including, but not limited to, an extra benefit, recruiting inducement, preferential treatment, financial aid).